Caio Borralho says he's 'in talks' to fight Israel Adesanya at UFC 312 in February
ABU DHABI – Yes, Caio Borralho is on Fight Island for UFC 308 fight week. But, no, he’s not there to weigh in as a backup for the co-headliner between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.
However, Borralho could soon be fighting another former UFC middleweight champion.
On Tuesday, Borralho revealed to MMA Junkie that discussions are ongoing for him to fight Israel Adesanya this coming February at UFC 312 in Sydney.
“I want to fight Izzy. We are in talks with UFC, but nothing confirmed yet,” Borralho said. “But that’s the fight we want. I think that’s the fight that makes sense. Adesanya already fought all the guys from (the) top five. Just me and (Nassourdine) Imavov he didn’t fight, but Imavov didn’t (have) a good fight last time, so I think they’re thinking about me. Let’s see what the UFC wants.”
The pairing does seem to make sense. Borralho, who’s No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings at 185 pounds, seemingly is in line for a major opportunity after winning a five-round unanimous decision against former title challenger Jared Cannonier. The result, which earned the 2021 Dana White’s Contender Series alum a Fight of the Night bonus this past August, pushed Borralho’s overall winning streak to 16 fights, which includes a 7-0 start in the UFC.
The idea of fighting Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) excites Borralho more than anything.
“A lot of respect for Izzy, you know. I want to fight the best in the world, and I think he’s a legend, one of the best in the world. I want to test myself against him,” Borralho said.
Adesanya, 35, who ruled the middleweight division for nearly three years, has hit a rough patch in his career, having lost three of his past four bouts. That includes a one-sided decision against Sean Strickland and most recently a submission loss to champion Dricus Du Plessis.
While some might view Adesanya on the decline, Borralho would not take the opportunity for granted.
“He was a great champion. He always has good points,” Borralho said. “I don’t know if he’s vulnerable or anything like that. I don’t have anything with it. If we fought, I’m going with a hundred percent power. I’m going with a hundred percent trying to finish him, and I will do it.”